Welcome back to another episode of The Haute Guide! Can y'all already believe it's been 5 years since I got fired?! That moment is what pivoted my journey in fashion into the brand you know today - so I'm using that as the catalyst for the 2025 version on how to get your start in fashion!

✨ Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🇨🇳 How China’s tariffs and luxury factory tea are shaking up the entire fashion game (and what that means for small brands and consumers)

• 💰 Why it’s time to lock your spending down, find your community, and prepare for the financial storms ahead

• 👜 The real deal behind buying dupes and sourcing overseas — and why it ain’t as easy (or drama-free) as TikTok makes it seem

• 🎭 The behind-the-scenes of the Met Gala, why most people ain’t invited, and why Wisdom Kaye deserves a damn seat at the table

• 🛣️ My 4 non-negotiables for starting your career in fashion in 2025:

  • Research your market BEFORE you move

  • Build a strong personal brand — yes, even for corporate life

  • Get serious about networking online and in-person

  • Give yourself grace, space, and TIME — real growth ain’t overnight

Shoutouts + Special Mentions:

• Carlos and Milwaukee Fashion Week 🔥

• Black Fashion STL and my student Kendal 💖

• Shelby Ivey Christie — fashion historian GOAT, go follow her

🔗 Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to my YouTube! 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@akbrownstl

• Milwaukee Fashion Week Details: https://www.mkefw.com/

• Grab The Intro Into Fashion Workbook: https://www.akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/

• Wanna be a guest on the show? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/be-a-gusest/

• Want to be a 2025 client or mentee? Apply here: https://www.akbrownstl.com/2025-client-applications/

• Follow me everywhere: @akbrownstl

• Website: www.akbrownstl.com

• Read Advisor. Magazine: www.advisormag.co

💬 Love the episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!